Big Ben

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Ready to Use

Big Ben is a must-see on any trip to London. The iconic London landmark is undergoing major renovation work for the next three years. We take the opportunity to show pupils what makes Big Ben tick with an A2-level article.  Language and Structures: Descriptive narration: simple present and preterite tenses Numbers: saying dates Modals and … Continue reading “Big Ben”

Big Ben Under Repair

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > In the News

Big Ben symbolises London and is an iconic part of the British capital’s skyline. But from 2017 to 2020, Big Ben will look and sound very different, because it needs major repairs. The tower, clock and Big Ben bell have given more than 150 years faithful service, including continuing to ring the quarter hours and … Continue reading “Big Ben Under Repair”

Guardians of the Tower

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > In the News

For many centuries, the Tower of London has been guarded by ravens. They are never allowed to leave the grounds of the Tower. According to legend: if the ravens leave, the Crown and the Tower will fall. But things are changing… Ravens have been in the Tower since it was built by William the Conqueror … Continue reading “Guardians of the Tower”

Honouring Jane Austen

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Celebrate

On 18 July, the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, the Bank of England revealed a new £10 bearing the image of one of Britain’s most enduring authors. Austen joins Winston Churchill, who has been honoured on the £5 note since September 2016, and the artist JMW Turner, whose portrait will adorn the £20 note … Continue reading “Honouring Jane Austen”

Remembering Jane Austen

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Celebrate

Two hundred years after her death, Jane Austen remains one of Britain’s best-loved authors. Yet in her short lifetime, she was unknown. Austen was born in 1775 in Hampshire, the seventh of eight children of a vicar. She had a happy childhood and youth in a family that read books aloud to each other and … Continue reading “Remembering Jane Austen”

Jane Austen and Shakespeare Lectures in Paris

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 13 July 2017 > What's On

Go along to lectures on Jane Austen and Shakespeare in Paris, or catch up online. All for free! As part of the Sorbonne’s Summer University course don’t miss two lectures on English literature, in English: 18 July 6-7.30 p.m. “Jane Austen on the Tourist Trail” by English Literature professor Nicola Watson from the Open University. … Continue reading “Jane Austen and Shakespeare Lectures in Paris”

Brontë Anniversaries

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 09 December 2016 > Celebrate

Two hundred years on, the three Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are still some of the best-loved novelists Britain has produced. Their enduring classics Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall conquer new readers in each generation and have inspired many other writers and artists. The bicentenary of their births, from … Continue reading “Brontë Anniversaries”

Shakespeare Lives in Schools Day

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 25 November 2016 > What's On

Friday 2 December is Shakespeare Lives in Schools Day around the world, part of the commemorations of the 400th anniversary year of the Bard’s death. William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, at the age of 52, in his native Stratford-upon-Avon. Yet his 37 plays are still played constantly around the world, and have provided … Continue reading “Shakespeare Lives in Schools Day”

Shakespeare Lives in Schools Webpicks

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 25 November 2016 > Webpicks

The British Council has produced various films to celebrate the anniversary, modern, short versions inspired by elements of Shakespeare’s plays. Some are difficult for learners, language-wise, but we’ve selected these two for class use. Plus an interactive film from Shakespeare’s Globe. This film is a satirical homage to Hamlet, and the main character is a … Continue reading “Shakespeare Lives in Schools Webpicks”